Vacuum distillation apparatus



Nov; 14, I939. K. c D. HICKMAN ET AL 0 VACUUM DISTILLATION APPARATUS v Filed March 9, 1938 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Z4 STILL/1N0 I 32 UNDIST/LLED RES/DUE SECOND/IR Y CONDE/YSA T61 CONDENSHTE INVENTORS Kenneth C. DH-ickman John Cflecker ATTORNEYS Nai 14; 1939.- K. c. D. HICKMAN ET AL 2,130,052

VACUUM DISTIL'LATION APPARATUS Filed March 9, 1958 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 142 Fig.4. 142

a comma FLU/D IF 7 JPQIILLAND E134 Calms/vi; 521%! 110 902 INVENTORS Kenneth'CDHicKman John C. Hecker BY ATTORNEYS Nov. 14, 1939. K. c. D. HICKMAN ET AL 9 VACKUUM DISTILLATION APPARATUS I Filed March 9, 1938 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 F msmmlvp IN 100 7 comm 51 8 U/VD/ST'ILLED ass/005 U/VD/ST/L LED RES/00L COOL/IVE FLUID CONDENJATE INVENTORS Kenneth C.D. Hickman John Cfiecker BY 44. W- W ATTORNEYS iiatented ovo it, 193% i v UNl'lE STATES PATENT orric I VACUUM DISTILLATION APPARATUS Kenneth C. Dhliickman and John C. Hooker, Rochester, N. IL, assignors, by memo assignments, to Distillation Products, Inc., Rochester,

N. Y., a corporation of Delaware Application arms 9, 19st, Serial No. 194,9011- I 13 (on. ace-20s) This invention relates to improvements in high rapidly removed from the space between these vacuum distillation processes and apparatus and, two surfaces, thus preventing their interference particularly, to provements in process and apwith the distillation. A further object is to proparatus for high vacuum distillation wherein the vlde short path or molecular distillation apparaii' vaporizing and condensing surfaces are separattus which is provided with condensing and/or ed by more or less obstructed space. vaporizing surfaces which pert escape of re During high vacuum distillation wherein the sidual gas molecules from the space therebevaporizing and condensing surfaces are separattween. Other objects will become apparent from ed by substantially unobstructed space, such, for the following description.

l0 instance, as high vacuum, short path or molecu- These and other objects are accomplished in ill lar distillation, there are two kinds of gases in accordance with our invention which, in its more the space or gap between the two surfaces; one general aspects, comprises a high vacuum still is the vapor of the molecules being distilled; the provided with condensing and/or vaporizing SLll' other is the residual gas. The residual gas is laces which are substantially permeable to re- 15 generally made up of two or more components, sidual gas molecules, but substantially impermei one being permanent gases present in the space able to distilling vapors. In this way residual because of leakage in the apparatus or evolved gas molecules present in the space between the from the dlstilland. The second is condensible vaporizing surface and the condensing surface gas, namely volatile vapors evolved from the dis are permitted to pass directly through one or both tilland which are non-condensible at the temsurfaces into another region where they are go pelatllre 0f t Condensing u a equickly and effectively removed by the vacuum The distil ate molecu es i t e s p o not pumps. The distilling vapors, which cannot seriously interfere with the issuance of new molepass thrgugh'the condenser withgut on t aver- Gilles from the Surface of the distillailii age at least one collision therewith, arecondensed this reason, it is possible toemploy high saturaupon t condensing surfa and are cgllected 5 tion pressures of distilling molecules as explained and withdrawn f o the Still m any desirable in cop-ending application, Serial No. 174,491, filed menus November 13, 1937, Hickman. The residual gas In the following description, examples and molecules regardless of their nature do, however, drawings we have Set-forth several of the greatly afiect the distillation. Their presence in fermd embodiments of our invention but it is to 30 the space betweenthe vaporizing and condensing be understood that these are given for the pub surface prevents distilling molecules from leaving poses of illustration and not as limitations the distilling surface and/or from reachifng the thereof condensing surface. This serious inter erence a 5 with distillation is especially troublesome when fii g s igg f i fg f g g i 2 the distances between the vaporizing and 0011- W m an bod i 1 m denslng surfaces is short compared with ,the i cu em ymg prmclples of width, or shortest linear dimension. of the surmen an wherein laces. These residual gas molecules are less able g 1 illustfates fictional elevatlon of a gravity flow still;

to escape from the narrow gap, where they ac- 4Q cumulate, and raise the pressure in the still, low- 2 1S horizontal Section on e -2 of ering the rate of distillation and causing destruc- 1;

flan of valuame t t t Fig. 3 is a horizontal section of a modification This invention has for its object to pr id of the apparatus illustrated in Fig. 1 difiering 5 vacuum distillation apparatus whereby the above therefrom mainly in that a plurality of con- 5 difilculties are avoided. A further object is to densers embodying the principles of my invenprovlde vacuum distillation apparatus wherein tion are p oye the condensing and vaporizing surface are sepa- Fig. 4 is an elevation in section of a still prorated by substantially unobstructed space which vided with a permea p l c n in permits rapid removal of residual gas from the S ace and e e n t e vaporizing and condens- 50 space between these two surfaces. A still furing surfaces are caused to rotate during operatherobject is to provide a vacuum distillation tion. process and apparatus wherein the vaporizing Fig. 5 is a plan in section taken on line 5-5 and condensing surfaces are rather close together of Fig. 4. and wherein the residual gas molecules can'be Fig. 6 is an elevation in section of a still simias lar to that illustrated in Fig. 4, but provided with a porous vaporizing surface;

Fig. 7 is a horizontal section taken on line 1-7 of Fig. 6; and

Fig, 8 is an elevation in section of a still provided with a centrifugal vaporizing surface and a stationary condensing surface embodying the principles of our invention.

Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, numeral 4 designates a cylindrical casing provided with an integral evacuating conduit 6 which connects to vacuum pumps (not shown). The top of cylinder 4 is provided with a cover plate 8 which makes a. gas tight seal with the top edge of 4 by means of a gasket I0. The cylinder 4 rests upon a base plate I2 and makes a gas tight joint therewith by means of sealing ring or gasket I4. The entire still assembly is supported by base plate I2 which is in turn mounted upon supports I6. A column I8 makes a removable but gas tight connection with base I2 at I9 and is located approximately concentric with external casing 4. Column I8 is also located in the center of the open portion of base plate I2 so as to form an annular gutter 20. The top edge 'of the column I8 is serrated and is closed by a plate 22 which is slightly recessed to form a small reservoir at the top thereof. Above this reservoir is located a conduit 24 integral with top plate'8. The internal column I8 serves as a vaporizing surface and is internally lagged with insulating material 26, within which is disposed a radiant heater comprising a resistance coil 28 heated by electricity introduced through leads 30.

A series of V-shaped members 32 are mounted in a vertical position within an annular trough 34 integral with the base plate I2. These elements serve as condensing surfaces and are preferably constructed of materials having fairly good heat conducting properties such as metals, although glass can be used. The series of V- shaped elements 32 are so associated that ample space is left between each pair of elements for flow of residual gas therethrough, but so that any molecule leaving any point on the vaporizing surface I8 must strike one of the condensing elements in passing therethrough. The condensing elements must be maintained at a temperature lower than that of the distilling vapors and this is accomplished by circulating cooling fluid through conduits 36 which are located in the narrow portion of each of the V-shaped condensing elements and in thermal contact therewith. The conduits 36 connect at the base to distributor head 31 and at the top to 38. Cooling fluid is introduced into this system through conduit 39 and withdrawn through conduit 40. The base of the condensing elements rest in the annular trough 34 which communicates with a withdrawal conduit M. The annular space between gutter 34 and the wall of external casing 4 is connected to a conduit 42 and the gutter 20 is connected to conduit 43.

Referring to Fig. 3 wherein is illustrated apparatus substantially identical with that illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 except for the fact that it is provided with a plurality of series of condensing surfaces of various shapes, numeral 60 designates condensing plates analogous to plates 32 of Fig. 1 and cooled by conduits 36 as in Fig. 1. These'plates are arranged so that molecules leaving "the surface of column I8 strike at least once while ample space between each element is available for passage of residual gas or non-condensed vapors. Numeral 52 designates a staggered series of plates which have ample openings for gas passage but which prevent passage of condensible vapors. These plates are cooled by cooling fluid circulated through conduits I54. Elements 50 and 52 rest in gutters which permit collection and withdrawal of condensate in the manner described in connection with plates 32 of Fig. 1.

Referring to Figs. 4 and 5, reference numeral I00 designates a cylindrical still casing provided with'an integral base I02 and a removable top plate I04 which can be held in a gas tight manner by means of a sealing ring I06. A shaft I08 is mounted in a housing IIO integral with base plate I02 and in packed bearing II2 integral with top plate I04. The shaft is provided with a driving pulley H4 and with circular plate II! and plate assembly H8 mounted thereon at right angles. The peripheries of plates IIS and III protrude into gutters I20 and I22 which communicate with withdrawl conduits I24 and I2 respectively. Under the circular plate II6 an electrically heated radiant heater I28 is mounted, which is connected to lead wires I30. A reflector I32 prevents loss of heat and serves to concentrate radiant heat from heater I28 upon the under surface of plate HE. A conduit I34 terminates above the central portion of H6 and serves to introduce distilland onto the upper surface of plate I I6 at that point. Plate assembly H8 is constructed from a plurality of overlapping concentric rings H8 a, b and c which are rigidly held together by welded spacers I38 which have been eliminated from Fig. 4 for the purpose of clarity. The overlapping portions of elements II8 a, b and c are so shaped and arranged that openings of ample size are provided for passage of gas therethrough. Gases and volatile materials are removed from chamber or cylinder I00 by means of vacuum pumps (not shown) connected to evacuating conduits I42. Top plate I04 is provided with a jacket I44 into which cooling fluid is circulated by means of conduits I46 and I40. Plate I 04 is, therefore, kept at a low temperature. Due to radiation and close proximity, condensing plate H8 is likewise cooled to the desired low temperature.

Referring to Figs. 6 and 7 numerals 200 and 202 designate vaporizing and condensing plates mounted upon shaft I08 within a still casing similar to that illustrated in Fig. 4. vaporizing plate 200 is provided with openings 206 having turned edges 201. The periphery of plate 200 is turned upwards to form a gutter 204 into which a scoop 208 protrudes. Liquid collected by the scoop is removed through conduit 2| 0.

In Fig. 8 the vaporizing plate rotates while the porous condenser remains stationary. Numeral 250 designates a series of condensing plates spaced apart so as to allow passage of gas therethrough. They are also arranged so that condensate will drop by gravity from one plate to another and finally into gutter 252 from which it can be removed by conduit 254. The condensing plates are cooled by conduits 256 in contact therewith and through which cooling fluid is circulated by introducing through 258 and withdrawal through 260.

In operation employing the apparatus of Figs. 1 and 2, distilland, such as a degassed cod-liver ofl, is introduced through conduit 24 into the shallow reservoir at the top of central column I8 which is heated to distillation temperature by heating element 28. The space within the casing 4 is evacuated by means of high vacuum pumps connected to conduit 6. The oil overflows from I the top reservoir and flowshn the form of a thin film down the heated surface of column I8. 'Volatile materials and gases are evolved. The condenser elements 32 are cooled by circulating cooling fluid through conduits 36. perature of the condenser is regulated so that substances of the desired vapor pressure are condensed when they come in contact with the cooling elements. Non-condensed volatile vapors and residual gas remain uncondensed even after contact with the plates 32 and pass through the spaces between the baiiles 36, usually after one or more collisions therewith. After passing through the baffles into the annular space between the, condensing baifies 82 and the casing 4, these residual gases are efliciently removed by the 7 pumps connected to conduit 8. Undistilled residue collects in the gutter at the base of the column I8 and is withdrawn through conduit 63. Condensate collecting on the condensing elements 32 flows by gravity into annular gutter 3t and is removed'therefrom through conduit ti. Casing 8 may be cooled to cause condensation thereon of the more volatile constituents which are not condensed at the temperature of the com p densing elements 32. Such condensate flows to the base and is removed through conduit 62. Such procedure is, of course, optional.

During operation of the apparatus illustrated in Fig. 3, vaporization of constituents on the center column it takes place in the manner indicated above. Cooling 'fiuid circulated through conduits it is maintained at a temperature higher than that circulated through conduits 5 so that condensing baiiies 52 are at a lower temperature than the condensing bafiies 5d. The heavier or lowest vapor pressure constituents vaporized on the center column, condense upon the first series of condensing bafies 5b and are removed from the gutter at the base thereof in the manner described. Residual gas and the more volatile constituents pass through the condensing bames 5d and impinge upon the second series of cool bafiies 52. The more volatile constituents are here condensed at alower temperature, flow down the elements 52by gravity into the base gutter and are removed therefrom in a suitable manner. Residual gases pass through this outer ring of bafiles with relative ease and are eiiiciently removed by vacuum pumps connected to conduit 6.

It will be appreciated that operation in the manner described greatly simplifies the problem of residual gas removal and increases the rate at which such gases can be withdrawn from the zone in which it exerts its harmful efiects. The apparatus illustrated in Fig. 3 has the added advantage that fractional condensation can be secured under conditions of short path distillation where such a result was not hitherto obtainable. Fig. 3 illustrates the obvious fact that the condensing bafiles can be constructed and arranged in a variety of forms.

During operation of the apparatus illustrated in Figs. 4 and 5 the vacuum pumps -(not shown) connected to conduits I42 are put into operation, Shaft I08 is caused to rotate. Cooling fluid is introduced through conduit I46 and withdrawn through conduit I48 and heating element I28 is heated to a temperature sufficient to bring plate IIG to distillation temperature .under the particular conditions employed. Distilland is introdiiced through conduit I3 onto the center of rotating plate IIB. The distilland is thus caused to flow by centrifugal force to the periphery of The template Hi from which it is thrown into gutter I20 and-is withdrawn from the still by way of -conduit I24. While passing over the heated surface of III,'the distilland is in the form of a very thin film from which vaporization of desired constituents. readily takes place. vaporized molecules impinge upon condensing plate assembly III which is likewise totating. These molecules are, therefore, con ensed. and thrown by centrifugal force from 8a to H612, etc., and finally into gutter I22 from which the liquid condensate is withdrawn through conduit E26. Cooling of the condensing plate takes place by radiation from the cooled plate IM. Residual gas molecules easily pass from the distilling zone through the openings I38 and are removed by way of'conduits I82.

The operation of the apparatus of Figs. 6 and 7 is quite similar to that of Fig. 4. However during operation residual gases pass through openings 106 in the vaporizing plate 296 and are removed by conduits M2. Undistilled residue is thrown by centrifugal force into gutter 2% where it is picked up by scoop 2st and delivered to conduit 2H]. Condenser plate 2% is cooled by radiationfrom the still casing which may be jacketed.

In Fig. 8 the vaporizing plate 2% operates as usual but the condensing plates 258 remain stationary and are positively cooled by coil 256.

' Residual gases pass through the spaces between the condensing elements and into conduits hi2. Condensate on the condensing plates flows or drops from one plate to another and finally collects in gutter 2% from which it can easily be removed by conduit see.

It will be appreciated that many changes can be made in the apparatus illustrated without departing from the spirit or scope of our invention. For instance, in the apparatus illustrated in Fig. 4; the condensing baiiles can be stationary and slant slightly upwards so that condensate drains by gravity into the gutter H22. Gravity flow vaporizing surfaces which are provided with permeable openings can of course be employed. One such construction involves a vaporizing surface made of wire gauze heated by electricity. Obviously any number'of vaporizing and condensing surfaces or plates could be employed, either connected in series or parallel. Both surfaces can be perforated if desired. Likewise, any desired number of condensing surfaces can be employed. Fig. 3 illustrates apparatus in which two such series are used. A greater number would, of course, be employed if more than two fractions were to be separated. It may be advantageous in some cases to maintain the series of plates at the same temperature. Obviously, the principles of our invention can be practiced with bailles of many different shapes other than those illustrated, the main requisites being that they offer slight resistance to passage of permanent gases but prevent molecules from the vaporizing surface from passing therethrough In the event that a warm grid is employed, its

temperature should be cooler than that of the distilling surface. The cold grid is at or below the temperature of the surrounding atmosphere and, thus, is able to complete the work of condensation, leaving no vapors to be condensed elsewhere in the system.

When the grid is maintained warm, the condensate contains only the less volatile constituents of the distilling vapor and the more volatile constituents pass into the outer vacuum space where they are condensed separately or removed by the pumps. Where they are condensed separately a partial fractionating results leading, to a degree of separation of an individual constituent greater than that obtainable under a single operation of ordinary unobstructed path or molecular distillation. The degree of separation or the number of fractions segregated is unlimited and depends solely upon the number of perforated condensers employed and their temperatures. i

The procedure is suitable for vacuum distillation process in general, and is of particular value where pressures of below 1 mm. are employed with substantially unobstructed path of travel for vapors between the vaporizing and condensing surfaces. It is of particular advantage for short path high vacuum and particularly molecular distillations of all types regardless of the particular kind of substances treated or the distances of separation between the two surfaces. In such distillations the distance between the vaporizing surface and the condenser will ordinarily be short such as about 1 to 12 inches and the pressure therebetween less than about .1 mm. and preferably less than .01 mm., such as for instance .005 to .001 mm. or lower. With molecular distillation the distances between the surfaces should be about the order of the mean free path or less. When several perforated condensers are employed under molecular conditions, the distance between them may likewise be of the order of the mean free path of the residual gas molecules in the particular zone. It is possible that true molecular distillation will be occurring in such a case only in the outermost grids; because by the very definition of the process much of the vapor is not being condensed by the inner grids and the uncondensed molecules would be colliding with the heavier molecules. Such a condition would be analogous to the distillation conditions under high saturation pressures, such as described in a copending application No. 174,491 filed November 13, 1937, in the name of K. C. D. Hickman. Our invention is of decided advantage for carrying out distillations of this nature.

Instead of employing a lattice type grid, we can use .a barrel made of perforated sheet or netting, the holes of which are small enough to preserve by surface tension an unbroken sheet of condensate. Both heavy and light constituents of the vapor condense, the lighter ones reevaporating both towards the hot distilling surface and also by diffusion in the opposite direction from the outside of the gauze. A succession of gauzes can be employed if desired. With this construction, there are no exits for the truly uncondensable gases and we contemplate in such instances providing louvers for their escape. While the gauze construction can differ widely from the lattice construction, the lattice construction can be made up from strips of gauze.

It will be appreciated that the herein described invention greatly simplifies the problems of pumping and residual gas removal from the distilling zone of a high vacuum still as well as the problems of decomposition and loss in distillation rate caused by the presence of such gases in the apparatus of the prior art. 'Another outstanding advantage of the invention is that fractionation of vapors is possible under conditions which are either molecular or closely approach molecular.

What we claim is:

1. Vacuum distillation apparatus comprising in combination within a substantially closed chamber, a vaporizing and condensing surface separated by substantially unobstructed space, at least one of which surfaces is permeable to residual gas, but substantially impermeable to distilling molecules, cooling means for the condensing surface, heating means for the vaporizing surface, means for introducing distilland onto the vaporizing surface, means for removing undistilled'residue from the vaporizing surface, evacuating means for removing residual gases from the chamber and means for withdrawing condensate, which has collected on the condensing surface, from the chamber.

2. Vacuum distillation apparatus comprising in combination within a substantially closed chamber, a vaporizing surface, a condensing surface separated from the vaporizing surface by substantially unobstructed space, which condensing surface is permeable to residual gas, but through which vapor molecules cannot pass without suffering on the average at least one collision therewith, means whereby the condensing surface is cooled to a temperature below that of the distilling vapors, means for heating the vaporizing surface, means for introducing distilland onto the vaporizing surface, means for removing undistilled residue from the vaporizing surface, evacuating means for removing the residual gas passing through the condenser from the chamber and means for withdrawing condensate, which has collected on the condensing surface, from the chamber.

3. Vacuum distillation apparatus comprising in combination within a closed chamber, a vaporizing surface which is permeable to residual gas, means for heating the vaporizing surface, a condensing surface located approximately opposite the vaporizing surface and separated therefrom by substantially unobstructed space, means whereby the condensing surface can be cooled to a temperature below that of the distilling vapors, means for removing condensate which collects upon the condenser, from the chamber, means for introducing distilland onto the vaporizing surface, means for removing undistilled residue from the vaporizing surface and a conduit connected to the chamber for removing gases therefrom.

4. Vacuum distillation apparatus comprising in combination within a closed chamber, a vaporizing surface, means for heating the vaporizing surface, a condensing surface located at a short distance from, and approximately opposite to the vaporizing surface and separated therefrom by substantially unobstructed space, which condensing surface is provided with openings which allow passage of residual gas, but which are so constructed that most distilling molecules leaving the vaporizing surface cannot pass without at least one collision therewith, means whereby the condensing surface can be cooled to a temperature below that of the distilling vapors, means for removing condensate which collects upon the condenser, from the chamber, means for introducing distilland onto the vaporizing surface, means for removing undistilled residue from the vaporizing surface and means for applying suction to the chamber.

5. A vacuum distillation apparatus comprising in combination within a closed chamber, a vaporing surface,

izing surface provided with openings which-allow passage of residual gas, means for heating the vaporizing surface, a condensing surface which is located a short distance from, and approximately opposite to the'vaporizing surface and which is separated therefrom by substantially unobstructed space, means whereby the condensing surface can be cooled to a temperature below that of the distilling vapors, means for removing condensate which collects upon the condenser, from the chamber, means for introducing distilland onto the vaporizing surface, means for removing undistilled residue from the vaporizing surface and means for applyingsuction to the chamber.

' 6. Vacuum distillation apparatus comprising in combination within a closed chamber a perforated vaporizing surface, means for heating the vaporizing surface, a condensing surface of approximately the'same or greater area than the vaporizing surface located at a short distance from and approximately parallel to the vaporizand separated from the vaporizing surface by substantially unobstructed space,

which condensing surface is perforated so as to allow passage of residual gas therethrough, the perforations, however, being so located and constructed that distilling molecules leaving the vaporizing surface cannot pass through the condenser without at least one collision with the condensing surface, means whereby the condensing surface can be cooled to a temperature below that of the distilling vapors, means for removing condensate which collects upon the condensing surface'and withdrawing it from the chamber; means for introducing distilland onto the vaporizing surface, means .for removing un distilled residue fromthe vaporizing surface and a conduit connected to the chamber for removing gases therefrom. 1

7. Vacuum distillation apparatus comprising in combination within a closed chamber a vaporizing surface, means for heating the vaporizing surface, a plurality of condensing surfaces located at spaced distances from and approximately parallel to the vaporizing surface and separated therefrom by substantially unobstructed space, which condensing surfaces are provided with openings which allow passage of residual gas therethrough but which substantially prevent distilling molecules leaving the vaporizing surface from passing without collision with the condensing surfaces, means whereby the condensing surfaces can be independently cooled to temtherethrough but so peratures below that of the distilling vapors, means for removing condensate which collects upon the condensing surfaces, means for introducing distilland onto the vaporizing surface, means for removing undistilled residue from the vaporizing surface and means for applying a suction to the inside of the closed chamber.

8. Vacuum distillation apparatus comprising in combination within a closed chamber, a substantially vertical column, means for heating the surface thereof, condensing surfaces substantially surrounding the column which are perforated in such a manner that residual gases can pass that distilling molecules leaving the surface of the column cannot pass without at least one collision therewith, means outside surface of the column, means for collecting undistilled residue at the bottom of the column and removing it from the still and a conduit connected to the chamber for removing gases therefrom.

9. Vacuum. distillation apparatus comprising in combination within a closed chamber a substantially vertical column, means for heating the surface thereof, a plurality of approximately concentric condensing surfaces surrounding the column at spaced distances w ch condensing surfaces are perforated in such a manner tlfat residual gas can pass therethrough, but so that distilling molecules leaving the surface of the column cannot pass without at least one collision therewith, means whereby the condensing surfaces can be cooled to a temperature below that of the distilling vapors, means for collecting condensate from the condensing surfaces and removing it from the chamber, means for introducing distilland onto the top outside surface of the column, means for collecting undistilled residue at the bottom of the column and removing it from the still and means whereby gases can be removed from the spacexwithin the chamber.

l0. Vacuum distillation apparatus comprising in combination within a closed chamber a rotatable vaporizing surface, means the vaporizing surface means for heating the vaporizing surface, means for applying distilland onto the vaporizing surface, means for removing undistilled residue from the vaporizing surface, a condensing surface located approximately opposite to the vaporizing surface, which condensing surface is perforated in such a manner that residual gas molecules can pass therethrough, but so that distilling molecules leaving the vaporizing surfacecannot pass without at least one collision therewith, means whereby the condensing surface is cooled to a temperature below that of the distilling vapors, means for removing condensate from the condensing surface and a conduit connected to the chamber for removing gases therefrom.

1i. Vacuum distillation apparatus comprising in combination within a closed chamber a rotatable vaporizing surface which is permeable to residual gas, means for heating the vaporizing surface, means for applying distilland onto the approximate center of the surface, means for removing undistilled residue from near the periphery of the surface, a condensing surface located opposite to the vaporizing surface, means whereby the condensing surface is cooled to a temperature below that of the distilling vapors, means for removing condensate from the condensing surface and a conduit connected to the chamber for removing gases therefrom.

l2. Vacuum distillation apparatus comprising in combination within a closed chamber, a vaporizing surface, means for heating the vaporizing surface, a condensing surface separated from the vaporizing surface by substantially unobstructed space, which condensing surface is provided with openings which permit passage of ree sidual gas therethrough, but through which vapor molecules cannot pass without on the average suffering at least one collision with the condensing surface, means whereby the condensing surface can be cooled to a temperature below that of the distilling vapors, means for removing condensate which collects upon the condenser, means for introducing distilland onto the vaporizing surface, means for removing undistilled residue from the vaporizing surface and means for applying suction to the chamber.

13. Vacuum distillation apparatus comprising in combination within a closed chamber, a rotatable vaporizing surface, means for rotating vaporizing surface, means for heating the vaporizing suri'ace, means for applying distilland onto the vaporizing surface, means for removing undistflled residue from the vaporizing surime, a condensing surface which is separated from the vaporizing surface by substantially unobstructed space, which condensing surface is provided with from.

KENNETH C. D. HICKMAN. JOHN C. HECKER. 

